Dedications

I would like to dedicate my pieces to Liz Peterson, for continuing to encourage my participation in this institute, even though I did not hesitate to vocalize my displeasure in committing a chunk of my summer to a class; to my principal, for taking advantage of the fact that I do not possess the ability to say no; and to my fellow classmates, for inspiring me and turning an experience that I had dreaded into something I am distressed to find ending. -Rachel Holter

I would like to dedicate my short stories and my reflections to the memory of my dad, Don Swift. I would also like to thank my mama and my sister, Angie for their continued support throughout this process. Without their love and prayers many of the pieces would not have made it out of the confines of my often frazzled brain. I am also entirely grateful to the Summer 2011 SCKWP team of teachers and participants who made each day of this journey so very exciting. Thanks for the all the laughter and all of the tears, it will be a summer I never forget! -Monica Swift

This dedication belongs to my father, Andre Guiol for always being a loving presence in my life. Without his encouragement and support, the doors to education, opportunity, and writing would not have opened. - Michele Benefiel

I, Brett Lynn Spencer, hereby dedicate my words of art, first and foremost, to the ants. The ants that dwell and frolic in my house have bestowed upon me a powerful feeling of hatred. This hatred has escaped my body in the form of a poem. I now, find them quite amusing, as I smash them one by one, into pieces. Secondly, I would like to thank my new friends: Nancy, Patrick, Rachel, Monica, Michele, Adrienne, Meg, Dawn, and Micki. This inspiring group of writers has empowered me even more than the ants. They have given me a multitude of tools, encouragement, advice, and laughs. I especially appreciate the laughs; that’s just the way I am. Last, I would like to thank my family. My deep love for my husband, Steven, has been an inspiration, and this gift of writing has allowed me to relive some of our first moments together. I must thank my three-year-old, Kiera, for allowing me to go to class each day. Without her permissive smiles and hugs, my days would have been filled with turmoil. Finally, I would like to thank my seven-year-old- daughter, Kalia, for encouraging me to continue writing. We’ve talked of writing a book together for quite some time. She tells me now that I have taken this class and learned //how// to write, it is time. I quite agree. Brett Lynn Spencer

This year, my writing is dedicated to every one of the wonderful writers and teachers I’ve been blessed to work with and befriend as a result of SCKWP Summer Institutes,this year, and back to 2007. I’ve learned much about writing, teaching writing and living life wisely and joyfully from this collection of treasured friends. It is this cadre of writer-friends who keep me believing that I am a writer with something to say. I am forever grateful. Meg Rice